Ashok Leyland Boss Light Truck – Tech Specs, Review

Ashok Leyland‘s Boss range falls in the highly-competitive intermediate commercial vehicles (ICV) segment, but rather at the different end of the spectrum. Reason being the it not only brings the strength and ruggedness of a truck, but also combines with superior technology and affordability unlike most of the mundane products. Take for instance the AMT option – something that has not ever percolated into the whole car industry! Derived from the proven Avia light truck platform conforming to European standards, Boss’s chassis and platform are designed to suit Indian requirements and conditions like rampant overloading practices. Ashok Leyland has clearly proved with these new-generation trucks that innovative features and comfortability are not counterproductive in the CV segments.

The Boss trucks comes with thoughtful features and technologies that not only enhance the driver’s comfort, but also his productivity. The ultra-modern day cabin with hydraulic tilt mechanism is one the best to be with, with air-conditioning (HVAC) standard in all LX variants. Power steering with adjustable tilt and telescopic mechanism and 3-point seat belts are standard across all variants, while the driver-centric dashboard and ergonomics boasts improved build quality. The cabin, in fact, gets a 3-year anti-perforation warranty. The quality of interior plastics and seat fabrics are also much better what we usually get in CVs. The driver instrumentation includes dials that are easy to read, while the driver info display conveys essential vehicle stats.

AL Boss is offered in 2 trims – LE and LX, in cab chassis, fixed side deck, and high side deck body forms with various wheelbase options.

The Boss range is powered by two engines – a 4.5-litre H-series in-line diesel engine with a fuel injection pump (FIP) in the LE variants, and a 4.5-litre (4,462cc) H-series turbo-charged, inter-cooled diesel engine run by common rail direct injection technology in the LX. The LE generates 120 hp of power at 2,400 rpm and 415 Nm of max torque at 1,400 rpm, with the help of a 6-speed manual gearbox with overdrive function. In the top-spec LX variants, the common-rail engine delivers an improved output of 130 hp and 450 Nm peak torque via a 6-speed AMT gearbox with overdrive function. This automated gearbox is assisted by a 14-inch diameter clutch plate with clutch boosters. Available in both BS 3 and BS 4 compliance, the company promises near-equal fuel efficiency figures for both AMT and manual versions.

The Boss largely inherits the functional and quality cabin interiors from that of Avia D 90 truck (pictured above)

The Boss’s sturdy chassis stands on forged “I” beam reverse Elliot type axle up front and single-speed Hypoid gears axle over the rear, with parabolic leaf spring suspension for both the axles. Brakes are drum-type with full-air dual-line S-cam system. The rated GVW of the trucks range from 9.6 tonnes to 12.9 tonnes, with gradeability up to 19 – 26 percent. The trucks speed is electronically limited to 85 kmph. Available in two trims LE and LX with a total of 6 variants, the Boss can be sought in cab chassis, fixed side deck, and high side deck body forms with various wheelbase options.

Best suited for sub-urbs and intra-city haulage operations, the Boss range offers the best promise of superior reliability and lower operating costs. The engine is fuel-efficient and does not require frequent servicing, as per company’s claims. The cabin is perhaps the most comfortable and safest in the segment, while the technologies and equipment like AMT brings outstanding value-proposition to buyers. The Boss competes with the likes of BharatBenz MD 914R and 1214R, Eicher Pro 1110 XP, and Tata Ultra medium-range haulage trucks.

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Dhiyanesh is equally crazy about driving cars and writing about them. This guy loves everything with a steering wheel, so, at someday if self-driving cars take up all driving, he is sure to go nuts! He likes sedans of 90s era, esp W140 S-Class and R34 Skyline GT. Apart from usual motoring stuffs, he maintains a strong appetite for sociological perspectives on cars, their historical and cultural footprints. He owns a 1999 Fiat Siena passionately, and drives a Ford Fiesta.